The Feast of Hanukkah-Kindness
Kindness is another fruit of the Spirit which we designate as the 5th candle on our Hanukkah candle. The dictionary defines kindness by using synonyms like bigheartedness, charity, compassion, heart, mercy, benevolence, favor, and grace.
This could be summarized as an action toward another to promote their wellbeing with a benefit…. Great examples always begin with God. One of his most powerful verses is, ‘God’s kindness leads us to repentance..(Romans 2:4) This is an example of the greatest benefit we have, our salvation, received through kindness. Yes, the spirit of God will soften our hearts with acts of kindness that soften our hearts and draw us toward Him, so when we release it to others they may ask about the hope that is within us.
I think of times when I got into potential trouble that could have led to disaster, but God chose to overlook it, because of his kindness, and I wasn’t held accountable or put in jail! Maybe you can think of a situation where God’s kindness intervened on your behalf?
God is kind to the widow, the orphan, the stranger, and even to his enemies. When my mother became a widow, I could see the hand of God on her life, bringing people into her life to bless her, God’s kindness in action through others.
Kindness abounds at Christmas time, it’s in the air. But this virtue doesn’t carry a season with it. It’s Jesus in us the hope of glory, who can release kindness to others in daily opportunities. May we look for them like King David did.
In 2ndSamuel 9, King David, a man after God’s heart, showed kindness to one of Jonathan’s son, after Jonathan died in battle. He brought Mephisboseth into his palace to eat at his table, as well as sending men to harvest his fields. Read the chapter and catch the spirit of King David.
Prayer: Lord, help us to show others who you are by our acts of kindness whether random or planned. Your kindness has led us into your kingdom! And now it’s harvest time! May we show the same virtue to those who need Your touch Amen!
Shalom, shalom!
